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Battle of the Birds: Vote for a national Thanksgiving turkey

GOBBLE GOBBLE: The 2013 battle of the birds is on. Cobbler, shown here, was the 2012 national turkey, receiving a pardon from President Barack Obama. Photo: Associated Press

On Wednesday, Nov. 27 President Barack Obama will pardon two lucky turkeys, but only one bird will be crowned America’s turkey and you can help decide the winner.

Who doesn’t enjoy a little friendly Thanksgiving competition, right?

Two birds are vying for the title: Caramel and Popcorn.

According to the White House, each bird was born on July 8. They each stand approximately 2 feet tall and weigh around 38 pounds each. The dueling duo were both hatched and raised near Badger, Minnesota.

The key difference between the two turkeys comes in their taste in music (one is a huge Lady Gaga fan!), their “strut,” and – perhaps most importantly – their gobble. Voters can examine the evidence, listen to the gobbles of Carmel and Popcorn, and then decide for themselves. You can even share your favorite turkey on Facebook and Twitter.

Both Caramel and Popcorn are male birds who, after being pardoned, will be driven to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens.

The national turkey and its alternate will be on display for visitors during “Christmas at Mount Vernon,” a traditional program through January 6. The turkeys will then travel to their permanent home at Morven Park’s Turkey Hill, the historic turkey farm located at the home of former Virginia Governor Westmoreland Davis in Leesburg, Virginia.